NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 18 – Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga has told off Deputy President William Ruto for linking him to the violence following the chaos at a rally in Jacaranda in Embakasi.
While addressing Nairobi residents during the launch of a voter registration drive, Odinga accused Ruto’s allies of orchestrating the violence then blaming him for it.
“I hear they are making noise that ODM is organizing violence. Why should we do that? I know my supporters did not engage in violence,” he said.
The ODM Leader stated that all political contenders have a right to engage in campaigns in any part of the country as enshrined in the constitution.
“Already they have seen the Tsunami that is coming and the are now crying foul. We will go head-to-head with them at the ballot,” he said.
Deputy President William Ruto’s Jacaranda rally in Nairobi was briefly disrupted Sunday by a rival group forcing police to deploy teargas to disperse them.
Though the event proceeded to the end, Ruto blamed Opposition chief Raila Odinga for encouraging violence amongst his supporters in his perceived strongholds citing the Kondele incident where his motorcade was stoned late last year.
Odinga further exuded confidence that he would prevail in the general elections set for August.
He further urged his supporters to register as voters in the second and final phase of the enhanced voter registration drive that is currently underway across the country.
The ODM presidential contender insisted that this is what will determine who will clinch the top seat in government.
“In the 21 days we will not sleep. We will march daily to ensure that our supporters register as voters. Even if you want it to be done at night, so be it, funds are available,” he said.
Odinga further urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to ensure it conducts a credible exercise in August.
“We want votes to be tallied and announced according to the will of the people. Most times Kenyans vote and their votes are not counted or when its counted the will of the people is not announced,” he said.